My mom says that using antibiotics (ear drops) for ear infection can damage hearing. Is this true?

Answer 1

Prolonged use, and sensitivity to the drug, or use of gentamycin over a prolonged period can indeed damage hearing. But, infection untreated can cause deafness. Treatment, would seem to me, to be the lesser of two evils here. And most people only require topical treatment for a short period of time, and the vast majority suffer no ill effects when the medication ordered is used appropriately as directed.

Answer 2

letting the infection go too long without treatment.so it is better to use the drops as soon as possible to clear the infection so that hearirng is not damaged.

there is considerable controversy regarding the existence and significance of ototoxicity from topical preparations. aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin or neomycin), can occasionally cause hearing loss if administered over a long period of time to a person with a perforated ear drum.

Answer 3

Yes, occasionally, but not always. So can the infection they were meant to treat. Gentamycin, even given intravenously for other conditions can damage the Organ of Corti.

Listen to your mom.

Answer 4

Is your mom a Dr? I've never heard of that - no offence - but I wouldn't take your mom's advice (NO OFFENCE MOM) if you want to know - call you doctor when your mom's not home and ask him. Then you'll know the real truth.

Answer 5

only gentamycin & neomycin can damage to some extent , when used for long time.

Answer 6

I stronly agree with the advisors answer

Answer 7

no but steroid eye or ear drops can

Answer 8

no